Correlates of patterns of range use of a troop of yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus). I. Sleeping sites,impregnable females,births, and male emigrations and immigrations

A free-ranging troop of 108 to 130 yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus) was sampled systematically for 1596 h. Seasonal variations in the area of the range of the troop, and the degree to which the patterns of range use of the troop were clumped in space are found to be correlated with (1) diversity of use of sleeping sites, (2) time of departure from sleeping trees, (3) number of impregnable females in the troop, and (4) number of emigrations from, and immigrations into the troop by adult males. The reproductive strategies of troop members, especially those of impregnable females, are suggested to influence patterns of range use. Some effects of the presence of observers on the troop are measured and discussed.